Hamilton and Verstappen at risk of ‘very bad accident’ | F1 | Sports

Former F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen has warned Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen that they are both rolling the dice by taking “very high risks” on track. The pair were embroiled in an epic title in 2021, culminating in the Red Bull man controversially winning the title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

However, their rivalry turned stormy after a series of on-track collisions and controversial overtaking maneuvers that saw both drivers penalized over the course of the season.

At the British Grand Prix in July, Verstappen required hospital treatment after the pair’s high-speed crash, with Hamilton believed to be responsible by the stewards. However, unlike the Dutchman, he was able to continue and recover from a 10-second penalty and win his home race.

At the Italian Grand Prix in September the two collided again and this time it was Verstappen who received a starting penalty for the following race after his car landed on top of Hamilton’s, the latter’s halo saving him from a potentially fatal head collision.

There were other notable incidents and even before the drama that unfolded at the Yas Marina in the final race, the stewards had to decide whether Hamilton should be penalized for cutting a corner as he was getting back on track came after he was ousted by the now world champion.

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His life was undoubtedly saved by medical staff at the track and although the Finn remained in hospital for around two months he made a remarkably good recovery.

“Is it my style to do things that these two riders did? Not really, it’s not my style and that’s because I had a very bad accident,” Häkkinen, 53, told PA News.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in the hospital and I know the pain when something goes wrong.

“These two drivers don’t know that, so they take risks, very big risks, and they rely a lot on the safety of the car and the track.”